The North Crowley Men’s Basketball Team moved up to #8 in the latest Texas Association of Basketball Coaches state rankings on Monday after beating Arlington High in their district opener on Tuesday & Kankakee, IL last Saturday in the Ozark Mountain Shootout. The “ranking” would mean absolutely nothing to their long time district rivals from Arlington Bowie on Tuesday night.

The Panthers went in to Tuesday knowing that they had their work cut out for them against a Arlington Bowie team that has played a very tough pre-district schedule. The Panthers built an early lead on the Volunteers behind seniors Isaiah Crawford and Isaiah Wyatt who scored all 14 of NC’s first quarter points as the Panthers led after one, 14-9. The Panthers continued to add to their modest lead in the 2nd quarter thanks, in part, to junior wing guard Tre Ballard who took a charge, scored a basket in transition and hit a huge three to close out the first half. NC led Arl. Bowie 24-17 at the half…

In the second half, the Panthers tried to duplicate their first half recipe for success… ball control, shot selection and defense! Crawford, Wyatt & Ballard were again all in the scoring mix, but this quarter it was 6’8″ forward Jay Gates who put his thumb print on the game. Jay had all 5 of his points on 2-2 from the field and 1 for 1 from the line to go along with a blocked shot and 3 rebounds in the quarter. The Panthers led the Vols 40-30 at the end of three. In the fourth quarter, Arl. Bowie came out desperate and fighting to scrap their way back into the game by extending their defensive pressure. Despite losing the 4th quarter 9-15, the Panther were able to hold on for the 49-45 road win.

The Panthers return home on Friday night to face FW Paschal as they continue Dist. 4-6A action. The boys JV and girls varsity will both be playing at 6:00 and the boys varsity is scheduled to start at 7:30. So come early, be loud/proud and stay late with the Panthers on Friday night!